Florida Budget Woes Cut Cruiser Use

High gas prices are forcing Orange County deputies to park their cruisers unless they are on duty. An internal memo from Sheriff Kevin Beary said no one can use their company vehicles after hours unless they are on call.

The agency has a budget of $4 million for fuel, but it's already spent more than half of it only three months into the year. In the past, deputies were allowed to drive their cars at all times so they would be available to respond to emergency calls.

Residents say they're worried the change will affect safety.

"I can understand the prices being high, but why should we sacrifice our safety for that? We shouldn't," said Debbie Hertel, an Orange County tax payer.

The sheriff's office says the cut back will save tens of thousands of dollars every month.